Metal neurotoxicity

Jonathan S Rutchik MD MPH (Dr. Rutchik of the University of California at San Francisco has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.)Matthew Lorincz MD PhD, editor. (Dr. Lorincz of the University of Michigan has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.)Originally released February 11, 2004; last updated April 6, 2020; expires April 6, 2023

This article includes discussion of metal neurotoxicity and metal encephalopathies. The foregoing terms may include synonyms, similar disorders, variations in usage, and abbreviations.

Overview

This article aims to inform the reader of neurologic conditions associated with occupational or environmental exposures to heavy metals, such as lead and manganese. Metals are commonly found in the environment and in the workplace. These may be implicated in the development of neurologic symptoms, examination findings, or a diagnosis. Some metals, depending on the method and duration of exposure, may be the sole cause of a condition whereas others may contribute to the cause or accelerate a neurologic diagnosis. In some cases, halting exposures may lead to reversibility of a condition; however, stabilization or further deterioration may occur.

Key points

• Neurotoxic illness is often a diagnosis of exclusion after considering other more common presentations for a condition.

• Metals exist in a both inorganic and organic species, having different properties for absorption and toxicology.

• Treatment may differ. Chelation is typically reserved for acute exposures that lead to dramatic consequences; otherwise, supportive measures are recommended.

• There are not specific diagnostic tests to determine neurotoxic illness, and the most important item may be the occupational or environmental history.

Historical note and terminology

Consideration of neurologic disorders secondary to occupational or environmental exposure first became notable from case reports. These consisted of workers who were exposed to high doses of substances either by inhalation or accidental ingestion and began to develop irreparable neurologic damage. Some of these reports originated in industries where heavy metals exposure was common. However, few of the earlier studies report evidence of biological exposure indices or pathology to identify a corresponding dose that led to such a result.

Epidemiological studies have shown that occupational exposure to high doses of aluminum, arsenic, lead, mercury, or manganese as well as thallium and tin have led to persistent clinical neurologic or neuropsychological abnormalities. These studies have also shown that if symptoms are identified early and proper treatment and removal from exposure is provided, neurologic and or psychological function can remain stable or actually improve despite the earlier exposures. This is particularly notable with peripheral neurotoxicity.

More controversy surrounds whether low-level chronic exposures to heavy metals, either in the workplace or the environment, could be responsible for neurodegenerative illness such as Alzheimer disease-type dementia, Parkinson disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The neurologic, occupational, and environmental medical literature includes various papers assessing neurologic and neuropsychological function in workers with low-level chronic exposure. For example, there is a growing body of literature focusing on manganese exposure in welders, miners, and steel cutters with central neurologic sequelae. In some studies, researchers have assessed subclinical endpoints because workers have nonspecific symptoms or no symptoms. These studies help to develop evidence that certain clinical features are consistent with occupational or environmental neurologic changes and, if exposure continues, may lead to frank clinical and possibly irreversible health effects. Halting exposures and early recognition of these problems may prevent such outcomes.

Patients with Alzheimer disease or nonspecific dementias have been involved in case-control studies to assess occupational and environmental exposures. These have revealed small relative risk values for certain exposures and Alzheimer disease.

In light of the supporting research, occupational and environmental exposures to heavy metals must be considered when diagnosing peripheral neuropathy, dementia, or a movement disorder. This requires taking an accurate work and exposure history of patients in order to determine if such a possibility exists. Therefore, it is extremely important to gain an understanding and working knowledge of these types of exposures so as to make the correct diagnosis.

The term “heavy metal” (formerly included in this title) is no longer used because there is no clear distinction between “heavy” or “nonheavy” metals on the periodic table. Also, there is no clear distinction between the terms “toxic” and “nontoxic” as well as the term “essential” because many metals may become toxic with a high enough dose.

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